Todd Ledbetter: Press

Along his distinct career path Todd has performed with some amazing artists, including Richard Smallwood, Walter Hawkins, and Grover Washington, Jr. Ledbetter's mesmerizing quality on soprano, alto and tenor sax stands out from the style of many of the R&B infused Gospel Jazz artists in today's current market. Todd preserves the time-tested flavor of the authentic modern Jazz legacy. The use of upright bass as a center piece, modest instrumentation, and down-to-earth yet stunning arrangements immediately succeed in the intended aim of the project. Stripped away is the sometimes rude and rugged clamor of the day as Todd's waves of embellished hymns move you to a place of complete serenity, heartfelt meditation and joyous peace.

Although DC native Todd Ledbetter is a contemporary gospel sax player, he knows where his heart lies – with traditional church hymns. Influenced by jazz pioneers such as John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, and Grover Washington, Jr., he has set the hymns he grew up on into contemporary jazz style.


In his CD notes, he states, “These time-honored melodies saw our ancestors through the worst of times…We’ve tried to take a fresh approach to these familiar hymns, infusing the aesthetics of jazz into the best of the gospel tradition.”

Ledbetter sounds like his predecessors as he covers the favorites “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Steal Away,” and “God Will Take Care of You.” He sounds even more like his major influences in his original work, “Meditations,” providing a minute-long rhythmic reprise (aptly titled “Meditations Rhythm Reprise”) at the end of the CD.

The project, co-produced by DC native and gospel jazz/R&B star John Stoddart, opens nicely with Ledbetter’s flowing rendition of “Give Me a Clean Heart,” first recorded by Margaret Douroux in 1970.

A soulful cover of “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me” features him on soprano sax, backed only by Walter Cosby’s experienced upright bass at first, then Stoddart on piano.

His comforting rendition of “It Is Well” has an island feel, with timbales, piano, and upright bass playing behind Ledbetter’s soprano sax.

For the classics, “Oh, How I Love Jesus” and “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” Ledbetter pretty much just follows the bars but does some nice ad-lib after the familiar verses.

His “Freedom Medley” is a nice touch blending three spirituals – “Oh Freedom,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Amen.”

Follows in the footsteps of Kirk Whalum, Todd takes traditional gospel songs and transforms them into jazz hymns, hence the title of the CD. Getting daring on "Steal Away" and proving his excellent Musicianship throughout the entire CD,...